Retina

Your retinas process light into signals, which your brain turns into images. Given this critical role, retinal disease and damage can cause serious vision problems.

Coastal Eye offers retina solutions!

At Coastal Eye, Omar Shakir, MD, MBA, is an experienced ophthalmologist who diagnoses and treats problems with the retina, including detachments, tears, and retinopathy. To schedule an eye appointment, call the office or use the online booking tool. Also, looking for help with eye allergies? Check out our eye allergies services.

What are the signs of retinal disease?

Your retinas play a crucial role in helping you see clearly. They sense light, which is converted into signals that your brain uses to produce images. Given this function, if you have retinal disease or damage, there are usually serious changes to your vision. Common signs and symptoms of retinal disease include:

Flashes and floaters
A curtain-like shadow in your vision
Decrease in vision
Blurry or wavy vision

In some cases, these symptoms appear suddenly. However, retinal disease can also develop slowly, and you may not notice there’s a problem at first. If you only have a retinal disease in one eye, you may adapt and rely more on your other eye. Dr. Shakir can detect retinal disease in its earliest stages before it causes vision loss. Regular eye exams are the top way to protect your eye health.

What diseases and conditions affect the retina?

Retinal detachment

Your retina may lift away from the tissue beneath it. Retinal detachment is an emergency.

Retinal tear

A retinal tear is when there’s a break in your retinal tissue. A retinal tear can easily lead to a detachment.

Retinal vein occlusion

If you have hardening of the arteries, the veins that carry blood away from your retina may become blocked.

Epiretinal membrane

Also known as macular pucker, the epiretinal membrane is where a layer of scar tissue forms on the retina.

Diabetic retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition and common complication of diabetes where your eyes' blood vessels swell and leak. Eventually, new, abnormal blood vessels may grow in your eye, which can lead to blindness. Another complication is diabetic retinal detachment.

Macular degeneration

Macular degeneration is a common age-related disease where the macula, the area of the retina responsible for your central vision, deteriorates. It can lead to severe vision loss.

Macular edema

In macular edema, fluid builds up in the macula, leading to blurry, distorted vision. It’s a complication of diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusion.

Macular hole

Your macula can experience a small break called a macular hole, leading to blurry, distorted vision.

How are retinal conditions treated?

Retinal disease varies depending on the condition, but the goal is consistently the same: protecting or restoring your vision to the fullest extent possible. Retinal disease is usually treatable, but it can sometimes lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Prompt treatment is the best way to stop the condition from worsening. If you notice a change in your vision, schedule an appointment at Coastal Eye right away.

Dr. Shakir offers intravitreal injections, which deliver medicine directly to your eye. This can stop abnormal blood vessels from growing. You may need an in-office procedure to fix your retina and prevent further damage. This includes laser surgery to fix retinal tears and detachment to shrink or seal leaking blood vessels. Dr. Shakir can use laser surgery techniques to perform a vitrectomy, which replaces scar tissue and damage and allows him better access to your retina.

Not all retinal disease requires surgical treatment. For example, in its early stages, you can manage diabetic retinopathy by controlling your blood sugar. Dr. Shakir determines the best treatment for your condition by assessing your medical history and evaluating your eyes during your comprehensive eye exam. Call Coastal Eye or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment.

Why choose our Coastal Eye retina specialist?

Coastal Eye is proud to be the highest-rated eye doctor in Greenwich, CT, and we welcome new patients to our vision care family. Our practice offers a unique eye care experience that sets us apart from other ophthalmology practices in the Connecticut area. Dr. Shakir is committed to using the most advanced and industry-approved equipment to restore optimal vision and eye health. Our boutique-style setting provides a comfortable and relaxing visit.

Dr. Omar Shakir is a top retina specialist, bringing a wealth of experience to the Greenwich and New Canaan communities. With a Doctor of Medicine from Albany Medical College, an internship at Johns Hopkins University, a residency at the University of Florida, and a two-year vitreous and retina surgery fellowship at Yale University, he is well-equipped to treat retina conditions. Trust Coastal Eye for top-quality eye care in a comfortable and welcoming environment.